Epiphany

February 12, 2020

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 119:1-8
Happy are those whose way is blameless,
   who walk in the law of the Lord.
Happy are those who keep his decrees,
   who seek him with their whole heart,
who also do no wrong,
   but walk in his ways.
You have commanded your precepts
   to be kept diligently.
O that my ways may be steadfast
   in keeping your statutes!
when I shall not be put to shame,  
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
I will praise you with an upright heart,
   when I learn your righteous ordinances.
I will observe your statutes;  
do not utterly forsake me.

I do think that it is important to have regulations and laws. It actually makes life easier. While stop signs may seem unnecessary when we pull up to an intersection and there is not a car in sight from any directions, they save lives by requiring us to stop and hopefully look before we drive forward as a habit of safe driving.

Jesus’ instruction that the ultimate commandments are to love God and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves are our standard. Other guidance like the Ten Commandments; Micah’s instructions to do justice, show mercy, and walk humbly with God; or the commands in Mathew 25 to feed the hungry, clothe the poor, care for the sick, restore the prisoners, and welcome the stranger give insights to guide us regarding how we love God and our neighbors as ourselves They help us as we strive to be blameless.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for providing the guidance we need to live a life filled with abundant love. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.